A preschool serving the Chemainus First Nations community in Ladysmith, B.C., the building is located within a precinct which includes an existing daycare and Elders’ facility. An efficient building layout accommodates the functional needs of the preschool within a small building footprint, including classroom, office, multi-purpose space and kitchen facilities.
The building features a cedar-clad exterior, with exposed cedar columns placed prominently throughout the interior. The design emphasizes child-friendly details, such as low built-in benches and small cubbyholes for storage. Floor-to-ceiling glazing along the northern facade allows for the classrooms to be naturally-lit, with window louvers to control shading. This glazing also allows the classrooms to open to the surrounding landscape, taking advantage of the site’s natural setting.